INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 17, 2026) – As the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship kicks off the second half of the season, Conquest Racing and the No. 34 Ferrari 496 GT3 EVO closed this weekend’s round at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park as not only the top GTD-category contender for the Ferrari brand, but in a tight five-way fight for the championship. In a season that has been highlighted by both podiums and pole positions, the rising strength of the team looks to shine even brighter in the final four rounds.

“We hope to be hitting our stride at the right time,” stated Conquest Racing team owner Eric Bachelart. “The ebbs and flows of the IMSA championship have made for an exciting season for the fans, but as our group continues to gel, our expectation is to contend at every remaining race. There’s always factors you cannot control between luck and series performance regulations, but I’m confident that as a team we will be executing better than ever.”

The 2026 season has, to date, showed immense promise for the team and regular drivers Albert Costa, Lorenzo Patrese and Manny Franco. At the second round of the season at the storied 12 Hours of Sebring, the team actually led throughout the final hours of the race, only for prototype traffic to knock the car off the road on the final lap. Three weeks later at the iconic Grand Prix of Long Beach, a perfectly executed pit stop, followed by an incredible drive by Albert, would give the team not only their first podium of the year, but the industry-voted Strategy of the Race award for the team’s overall execution.

Two weeks later at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, an impressive qualifying lap by Lorenzo Patrese would earn pole position honors, where the team proceeded to lead throughout the first half of the race as they demonstrated un-matched pace.

At the famed Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International, the team’s execution continued throughout much of the event as they steadily climbed through the field during the opening five hours. Taking the lead during the penultimate round of pit stops in the final hour, a potential win was only slighted by bad luck in the final 30 minutes.

During this past Sunday’s round at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, team execution was the theme of the event. In a race that is notoriously difficult to pass and with performance regulations that appeared to benefit other car manufacturers, the team made the most with yet another top-five, finishing in fourth and well ahead of any other Ferrari.

Heading into the final four rounds, lead driver Albert Costa is excited to make a final push.

“The team has continued to grow to an incredible level this year,” stated Albert Costa, the team’s lead driver. “It’s a great feeling knowing that every weekend we have the chance to fight. Of course we can’t control all of the luck, and at some events the regulations aren’t always suited for our car, but the critical component is the team focusing on execution and improvement, and they’re making all the right moves for this. We’re closing the season with some key team changes that should only help, and we’re all aiming to climb even higher in the championship.”

For Lorenzo Patrese, a similar feeling is shared.

“This team really operates like a family,” stated the Italian. “Everyone is always working together to get the most out of each other and improve, and that’s the most important part of our future. It’s a top-level team and we’re all focused on delivering both for ourselves and for Ferrari.”

Practice for the next round at Road America begins on Friday, July 31, with the race taking place on Sunday, August 2. Race coverage will take place at 11:30AM ET with live coverage in the US via Peacock, and imsa.tv for international viewers.